The best hair serum can undoubtedly enhance the overall health of your hair, regardless of the hair type and texture you have. Most of us use hair conditioner, but right after showering you may blow your hair with hair dryers or expose your hair to the sun. This is where hair serum comes in.
Hair serums are liquid-based treatments that are typically formulated with silicones, which form a protective film over hair fibers, aiding in the smoothing of frizz. The silicate film then reflects light, thus providing a glossy, non-greasy finish to hair.
Not only does it give you glowing hair, but today’s top hair brands are perfecting their formulas to address problems like dullness, protection, color fade, and damaged ends. In order to find the very best serums on the market, we put hours of research into each one. We looked at the active ingredients, benefits of each product, and ratings. We also wanted to see if there were any unique features that made them stand out. For example, did they work on all types of hair? Here are our top picks for the best hair serum.
Note: Unless mentioned the hair serums provided below can be used by both men and women.
Our Top Picks for Best Hair Serum
1. Olaplex No. 8 and 9 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Olaplex 8 is one of the top-rated and most trusted brands in the market as it provides hydration, protection, and shine which suits all hair types. It is a combination of red algae extra and the their patented ingredients Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate.
What makes this hair serum unique is that it targets the inner structure of hair, unlike other hair serums that focus only on the exterior. This lightweight hair serum combats frizz and static, adds shine, and nourishes the hair. It also contains antioxidants to help protect the hair from environmental and heat damage. If you are concerned about your hair and want to maintain it at its best then Olaplex 8 should be your choice.
Note: Olaplex no. 6 and 7 intense moisturizer mask is also available. Olaplex 9 is the recent release in this series.
- Hair Type: All
- Key Ingredients: Red algae extract, Antioxidants
- Size: 100ml
2. Garnier Hair Care Fructis Anti-Frizz Hair Serum
Garnier Hair Serum is an essential choice for those who have limited funds but desire a sleek and glossy finish to their hair. It is more effective in eliminating frizz and have an impressive online rating (4.5/ 5; 24,000 Plus ratings). No matter if your hair is curly, straight, or dry, its apricot & argan oil will give your hair a silky texture. This active fruit protein serum penetrates deeply into dry, unmanaged hair and manages frizz, even in environments with 97% humidity. It is formulated with extracts derived from fruit and plant sources, vitamins, and citric protein, which strengthens and optimizes hair health.
- Hair Type: All
- Key Ingredients: Apricot & Argan oil, Vitamins
- Size: 150ml
3. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum
John Frieda Anti Frizz is one of the most well-known anti-frizz hair serums on the market today. Transform frizzy hair into smooth, visible, healthy, and hydrating and gives you instant and long-lasting smoothness. This serum helps to control frizz, protect from heat and humidity, hydrate and add shine to your hair. It is specially formulated with argan, coconut and moringa oil, and many other ingredients that can be used on damp and dry hair, making it an ideal addition to any styling routine.
- Hair Type: Thick and coarse hair types
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Coconut oil, Moringa oil, Tocopherol, and Limonene.
- Size: 50ml
Related: How to use multani mitti for hair (natural way to get healthy hair)
4. GK Hair Global Keratin Argan Oil Hair Serum
Another hair serum packed with argon oil. GK hair serum has Juvexin, which is a keratin that helps to keep your hair looking young and save your hair from harsh environmental elements. It also has other natural extracts that help to renew your hair follicles, promote cell regeneration, and keep your hair at its best. It works on straight, wavy, and curly hair, and can be used by both men and women.
- Hair Type: All
- Key Ingredients: Juvexin (A keratin based anti-aging protein blend), Argan Oil
- Size: 50ml
5. L’Oreal Paris Hair Serum
This low-cost hair serum is made with 6 flower oils: lotus, flax, chamomile, rose, tiare, and sunflower. Can be used for daily finishing and weekly deep treatment suitable for all hair types. It keeps your hair hydrated, glossy, and manageable; soothes and nourishes your hair fibers to make them smooth, silky, and easier to handle.
- Hair Type: All
- Key Ingredients: Lotus, Flax, Chamomile, Rose, Tiare, and Sunflower
- Size: 100ml
6. Streax Professional Vitariche Gloss Hair Serum
Vitariche gloss is a low-cost top-rated hair serum that contains macadamia oil and Vitamin E. It is widely accepted that macadamia oil contains a significant amount of naturally-occurring fatty acids. This fatty acid has the potential to leave hair follicles stronger and healthier when it binds and infuses the hair shaft. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that can help the hair to repair damage and regulate oil production caused by various factors. On the other hand, Vitamin E helps in hair growth, prevents hair loss, increases shine, and enhances hair strength.
- Hair Type: All; But apt for dry and tangled hair
- Key Ingredients: Macadamia oil and Vitamin E
- Size: 115ml
7. Biolage Smoothproof Deep Smoothing For Frizzy Hair
In order to effectively control flyaways, frizz-prone hair requires specialized treatment. This biolage smooth-proof deep smoothing hair serum is formulated to provide hydration and healing to even the most fragile and frizz-prone strands of hair, resulting in a sleek, glossy, and healthy hairstyle. Inspired by the water-resilient camellias of nature, this advanced hair oil is an ideal solution for frizz-ridden hair, providing humidity control and anti-frizz smoothing in even the most humid conditions (up to 97% humidity), resulting in hair that is perfectly smooth for the maximum of 48 hours.
- Hair Type: Frizz hair
- Key Ingredients: Camellia Kissi Seed Oil, Coumarin, and Limonene
- Size: 100ml
How to Pick a Hair Serum
When you are picking out a serum for your hair, it is important to check the ingredients list to make sure it is safe for your hair. Some ingredients, like sulfates, parabens, benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde, can dry out your hair and cause breakage, so it is important to make sure you do not use any of them. Aside from what to avoid, you should also know what to look for.
Look for hair serum with ingredients that are more naturally derived, as these will provide the highest level of benefits to the hair without coating it with chemicals. It is highly recommended to select hair serums containing natural components and oils, including vitamin E & C, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan Oil, almond oil, etc.
Hair serums come in a variety of formulas, some of which are designed to be lightweight, while others are designed to be oilier. Hair serums that are lightweight offer a frizz-reducing and smoothing effect, and can be used as a daily routine. On the other hand, hair serums that are oilier should be used once or twice a week.
When selecting a hair serum to treat hair, it is important to take consider the type of hair. For hair that is dull and lifeless, hair serums containing argan oil or almond oil, or vitamin E can be used to revitalize your hair. For frizzy hair, lightweight and rapidly absorbing hair serums are recommended. Hair that is curly and thick will benefit from the hair serum that is formulated with high-quality moisturizers, like jojoba or almond oil.
How to Use Hair Serum
In order to maximize the efficacy of hair serum, it is essential to apply it correctly. Here is how to use/ apply hair serum in a proper way.
- Use hair serum to your clean, damp hair for the best results. Never apply without shampooing.
- Apply one to two drops of hair serums to the palms of the hands. Rub between the hands to make it thin.
- Apply the serum starting from the ends and working your way toward the middle of your hair. Use your hands to spread the serum evenly throughout your hair. Do not apply the serum to the roots or scalp as it can leave your hair greasy or weigh the hair down. Always apply hair serum gently.
- Once the serum has been applied, use a wide tooth comb to evenly distribute the serum from the center of the strands to the ends. Style your hair as you always do.
The Do and Don’ts When Applying Hair Serum
The Do’s
Wash your hair before applying: It is always best to use hair serum on freshly washed hair. The serum’s main goal is to protect from pollutants and other hair-damaging factors, so using it on your hair after it has been washed gives you the best result. If you apply it to unwashed hair, your hair may look oily and weighted. Shampoo your hair, towel dry it, and then apply it. You can also use it after showering at night to give your hair a glossy, soft look in the morning.
Apply from ends: The ends of your hair tend to be drier, frizz, and more prone to split ends. As a result, the end of your hair may require more serum than other areas. The correct technique is to begin the application at the ends of the hair and then proceed to the middle.
Warm it up before applying: Most hair serums are thick, making them difficult to apply and distribute evenly. To make the serum thin, a small amount of product can be placed on the palm of your hand and rubbed for a few seconds which will result in a even distribution.
The Don’ts
Don’t apply to roots: Hair serum should not be applied directly to the roots or scalp of the hair. Even the lightest serum can weigh down the hair, cause product accumulation, and make the roots appear greasy. Therefore, it is recommended that serum be applied to the ends of the hair first and then gradually worked its way up the middle of the hair shafts.
Never overapply: It is important to be mindful of the amount of serum applied, regardless of the thickness or the length of the hair. Excessive serum application is not recommended and should be avoided. If you use too much serum, it can leave your hair flat and oily. To avoid this, always start with a small amount of serum and add more as needed. Even a small amount can make a large difference.
Never rinse off after applying: Leave-in hair serums (also called no-rinse or leave-on) are hair care products that are applied to the surface of the hair to provide hydration, smoothing, and protection. Washing off immediately will remove the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hair serums are silicone-based products that are applied to the surface of the hair to lock the curl pattern and seal the cuticle. Hair serums are designed to protect your hair from aggressive brushing, pollution, heat (electric styling tools), and long-term sun exposure. They are styling products with additional benefits that keep your hair healthier. Hair serums also reflect light (because of silicone), making your hair shinier and smoother.
You can apply anytime in the day. However, the best time would be night (leaving overnight) or morning. Whenever you apply you should wash your hair with conditioner or shampoo to make sure your hair is clean. Applying hair serum to unwashed hair will increase the greasiness.
It totally depends on the product (lightweight or thick) and your understanding of your hair. Most are formulated to be used once or twice a day. But, most of the experts prefer once-a-day that can be applied at night or morning. Even a small amount (1 to 2 drops) can make a large difference. Never 0ver-apply as it can increase greasiness and hair damage.